WIRE 2026 to see hundreds of EU delegates descend on Limerick for one of Europe’s premier events on regional development
Limerick and the Midwest will serve as the meeting place for Europe’s innovation community as the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has officially announced the launch of the Week of Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE) 2026 conference.
Held bi-annually under the rotating EU Council Presidency, WIRE 2026 is the EU’s flagship policy conference dedicated to regional innovation and development. To mark its 2026 presidency, Ireland will host the two-day event this December at the Millennium Theatre, TUS Moylish Campus in Limerick.
Under the theme “Future Regions: The Role of Sustainable Innovation in European Competitiveness,” WIRE 2026 will examine how Europe’s regions can work together to address shared challenges, accelerate innovation and build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable future.
Minister of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), James Lawless TD, will deliver the first keynote address. From there, attendees will experience a rich agenda featuring international speakers, fireside conversations, expert panel discussions, and more.
Launching the conference this week, TUS Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation, Dr Liam Brown said: “TUS is proud to be hosting WIRE 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the power of regional innovation on a European stage. By bringing the key stakeholders across Government, academia, and industry to Limerick, we are creating a dynamic to demonstrate where policy meets practice. This conference will not only highlight the incredible research and enterprise happening here in the Midwest, but it will also play a pivotal role in shaping future European policy.”
Joe Healy, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, commented: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting regionally balanced, vibrant, resilient, and sustainable economic development – we have teams based across nine regional offices working closely with clients and stakeholders to grow the enterprise base nationally. Our focus on maximising client growth, investing in regional hubs, co-working spaces and second site locations to support entrepreneurship, grow talent and skills, and drive collaboration across the ecosystem are all well represented on the WIRE 2026 event agenda. Enterprise Ireland welcomes this opportunity to enhance our close cooperation and collaboration with the TUS on this timely event as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.”
Supported by the European Commission through Horizon Europe funding, WIRE 2026 will bring together leading policymakers, researchers, innovators, and industry representatives from across the continent to explore how sustainable innovation can strengthen regional competitiveness and economic resilience.
The event will be hosted by TUS in partnership with the DFHERIS and Enterprise Ireland, with additional support from Fáilte Ireland and Limerick City and County Council. It will explore three key themes that reflect some of Europe’s priorities for research and innovation.
Competitiveness & Cohesion: Closing the Regional Innovation Gap will focus on strengthening regional innovation, reducing disparities in performance, and translating research and innovation into tangible regional impact.
People & Skills: Building the Future Innovation Workforce will look at how Europe can develop the talent, skills and entrepreneurial capacity needed to support future industries and emerging technologies.
Resilience & Sovereignty: Future Readiness of Regions will consider how research and innovation can strengthen Europe’s resilience in an increasingly complex global landscape, including clean energy, climate adaptation, digital transformation, strategic technologies, cybersecurity and the role of regional collaboration in supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.
WIRE 2026 will take place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2026 at TUS, Millennium Theatre, Moylish Campus, Limerick. For more information, go to https://wire2026.ie/
Further announcements on the final programme and speakers to follow. Click “Register Your Interest” to stay updated on delegate registration and event news.
ENDS